Targeting protein degradation to treat childhood tumors
Official title: PROTECT (Harnessing PROTEin degradation for Advanced Childhood Tumors)
Funded at University College London · NIH-11045813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new and better treatments for kids with solid tumors, especially brain tumors, by focusing on specific proteins that help these tumors grow, so that young patients can have more effective options beyond the usual chemotherapy and radiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University College London NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (London, United Kingdom) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $100,476 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA297466-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045813 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with solid tumors, particularly those that have not responded well to conventional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-solid tumors or those outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative treatments for children with solid tumors, particularly brain tumors, which have seen stagnant survival rates over the past 30 years. The approach involves targeting specific proteins that drive these tumors, using advanced techniques like targeted protein degradation and CRISPR-Cas9 screening to identify new treatment options. By collaborating with a team of experts in various fields, the research aims to create effective therapies tailored to the unique biology of pediatric cancers. Patients may benefit from novel treatments that are designed to overcome the limitations of traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted therapies for childhood cancers, improving survival rates and quality of life for young patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting previously 'undruggable' proteins in cancer, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University College London
London, United Kingdom Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anderson, John — University College London
- Study coordinator: Anderson, John
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.